Michael Jackson’s brother, Jermaine Jackson, and George Kindel, event promoter, announced today that the tribute concert that was to take place on September 26, in front of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, has been postponed. This was due to scheduling issues for artists that were to appear.
In answer to critics that big-name artists like Madonna had not signed up, Jermaine Jackson said: “The purpose of the show is to give something back to the fans, we have to do this right. It’s not about name-dropping”.
The Michael Jackson tribute concert now has moved to London’s Wembley Stadium and to take place next year in June. Kindel also stated that one of the reasons it was moved is because “renowned artists of the tribute were disrespectfully treated as B-list artists or even losers” by the media in Vienna Austria.
Everyone who bought tickets will be refunded and tickets for the rescheduled show will go on sale December 1.
Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s brother, announced on CNN Larry King Live that a tribute concert for Michael Jackson will take place in Vienna, Austria near the end of September. He is inviting various high profile artists to perform in front of the Vienna’s Schoenbrunn Palace, a popular venue that hosts the annual summer concert for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
On the Tribute2009 website that is set up for this event, producers World Awards Media stated, “ The concept of The Tribute is that some of the world’s leading artists will perform Michael Jackson’s greatest hits live on stage in an imperial setting, befitting the King of Pop.”
Jermaine Jackson emphasized that he wants the world to see the humanitarian side of Michael Jackson and plans for this to be an annual charity event to keep his “humanitarian legacy alive”.
“I want to show them how his true emphasis wasn’t music or performing, it was improving the world. Understand this and you begin to understand the essence of who my brother was.”
The concert producers are expecting more than 85,000 people to attend the Michael Jackson Tribute concert and the event will be televised worldwide. A substantial portion of the proceeds will be donated to three charities: Earth Care, Feed The Children and Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
Update: Organizers of the event have now confirmed that it will take place on Sept. 26
La Toya Jackson is releasing a previously recorded song Home in tribute of her brother Michael Jackson. It was originally written in honor of her family. The song will be available on iTunes on July 28 and all proceeds will go to AIDS Project Los Angeles.
Thousands of people turned out for the Michael Jackson hometown memorial in Gary, Indiana. It took place at the US Steel Yard baseball park, a mile away from his childhood home, with an upbeat celebration of his music and life.
The memorial featured performers that sang and danced to his hits. It was full of children singing and dancing. There was even a performance of “Thriller” which even included a cemetery.
Mayor Rudy Clay bid his farewell, noting that Michael Jackson put the city of Gary on the map of the world.
“He’s going to put on those golden slippers and he’s going to dance all over God’s heaven.”
A video of Michael Jackson in Gary was played on the jumbo screen in the stadium, where he talked about his love for his hometown.
“Gary, you will always have a special place in my heart. And Gary, you are more than a good friend, you are my family and you always will be.”
More than 30 Jackson family members showed up for the event including a brief appearance by Joe Jackson.
“This is a pleasure to be back to see so many people here. It’s always good to come back home, you know that.”
At the conclusion, 700 people holding candles sang “We Are The World”, the song Michael Jackson co-wrote with Lionel Richie for USA For Africa.
I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.
That about says it all for the touching tribute to Michael Jackson at his memorial that took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles on July 7. Many celebrities like Brooke Shields, Berry Gordy, Smoky Robinson made speeches and remembered him. Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and others sang some of his songs. Jermaine Jackson sang Michael Jackson’s favorite song “Smile”, which was written by Charlie Chaplain. Near the end of the Michael Jackson Memorial, the family came on stage. Marlon Jackson, shared his thoughts about his brother. The highlight of the show though was when Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris spoke a simple but heartfelt statement about her father.
Thousands of people turned out for the Michael Jackson hometown memorial in Gary, Indiana. It took place at the US Steel Yard baseball park, a mile away from his childhood home, with an upbeat celebration of his music and life.